Heizer's Rock 'n' Roll: on the Road

As the rock’s massive, centipede-like transporter inched onto Granite Hill Drive, lit by over 300 string lights, the mood was less public art project and more engineering-feat-meets-the-Rose Parade. More than 100 people –- truckers, police escorts, media and museum workers, as well as art lovers and general looky-loos -– gathered to see the rock off. A helicopter hovered above, cutting the crisp night sky, and nearby parked cars honked in celebration.

Noticeably missing was the reclusive artist himself, who lives in Nevada.

“There’s nothing he can really do to help now,” said LACMA Director Michael Govan. “But he’s excited.”